Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy in Colorado will seek by 2015 to build approximately 1,050 MW of renewable generation, 800 MW of which would be from wind resources. In addition, Xcel plans to reduce current electricity demand by 694 MW through enhanced energy-efficiency programs and replace two coal-fired power plants with a natural gas facility.

The company recently filed its Colorado resource plan, indicating the company could reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 10% by 2017, when compared with 2005 levels. The company further committed to file an expedited resource plan in 2009, which would provide options and make recommendations to reduce the utility's GHG emissions by up to 20% by 2020.

"Xcel Energy fully supports ambitious efforts to reduce GHG emissions in Colorado and throughout our service territory," says Richard Kelly, Xcel Energy's chairman, president and CEO. "But, it is important to balance these environmental objectives with the equally important goals of reasonable customer rates and a reliable electric system. Our proposal balances all of these components and takes an important first step on the path of achieving the goals of the governor's Colorado Climate Action Plan."